Toon ace claims European football was "a pain" - really?

The Toon keeper picked up the NUFC Player of the Year award at an event organised by the Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA) in Newcastle on Wednesday night.

Afterwards, Newcastle's number one reflected on the positive start this season, and described last season's UEFA Europa League campaign as "a pain".

The Dutchman said: "It has been an exciting start to the season. I think we're going to have a good season. If we keep everybody fit which is the most important thing.

"Europe? Luckily enough we're not in that any more as that really was a pain with the injuries and a lot of games."

Newcastle reached the quarter finals of the Europa League, and finished 16th in the Premier League last season.

Many fans believe that the club paid the price for a small squad and failure to invest, with only one senior player in Vurnon Anita moving to Tyneside in the 2012 summer transfer window.

The club's failure to prepare for a long, hard season should not take away from the fact that the fans enjoyed the European campaign. After all, why compete if it's not to play in and win the big competitions?

Krul's words seem to be a reflection on the squad depth and Newcastle's current lack of ambition, rather than the goalkeeper's personal goals.

What do you think NUFC fans? Was European football "a pain" ? Are you glad Newcastle are not in Europe any more?

Umar Farooq

Umar Farooq is a London-based sports writer with experience of sports television production and expertise in social media. He has an undergraduate degree in law and a postgraduate degree in journalism. His experience includes working as a journalist for the Telegraph, Guardian, Sky and the BBC. The 24-year-old enjoys watching and writing about several sports, with particular focus on football and boxing. He also takes a keen interest in news, politics and business - and is fascinated by the growth of online communities.